Breast Asymmetry

Our bodies are not symmetrical and therefore it is quite normal for a woman to have two slightly different sized or shaped breasts.

There are times however, where the difference in size and shape of the breasts is significant (asymmetric breasts) and this can cause embarrassment and lack of self confidence. Surgery can be performed to correct this and the aim is to match both breasts in size and shape either by making the larger breast smaller or the smaller breast larger.

Every case is different and the surgical techniques used will depend on a number of factors which Dr Vlad will discuss with you.

As a highly qualified Plastic & Cosmetic Surgeon, Dr Vlad will determine whether you are a good candidate for surgery to improve breast symmetry. However, if you have breasts that are significantly different in size and shape and you are self-conscious and unhappy with them, you’re a non-smoker (or you’re prepared to give up smoking at least 6 weeks prior to and after your surgery), you’re mentally and physically healthy and you understand the Breast Asymmetry surgical procedure, you should qualify. And Dr Vlad will discuss all options available with you, prior to your decision on surgery.

Dr Vlad will provide a clinical and 3D volumetric assessment of the asymmetry and tailor the treatment according to your desired aesthetic goals. It is essential to expect realistic results and Dr Vlad will discuss with you what can be achieved with your anatomy.

Modern anaesthesia is safe and effective, but does have some risks. Ask Dr Vlad and your Anaesthetist for more information. You can be assured that Dr Vlad will engage the services of a qualified Anaesthetist who is a Fellow of the Royal Australian and NZ College of Anaesthetists (ANZCA) to perform your sedation or general anaesthesia.

Dr Vlad and/or anaesthetist will ask you about your general health, all the medications you are taking or have taken, and any allergies you may have. Please make sure you have an up-to-date list before the surgery.

There will always be scarring after any surgical procedure– there can be no guarantee for a perfect outcome. Your healing process will determine the outcome of scarring after surgery but it is Dr Vlad’s objective to minimise the scarring as much as possible. After surgery the scars are typically reddish in colour but these will fade in time to a light pink and after one or two years the scars become barely noticeable. And, in our experience, most of our patients believe that the aesthetic results of the procedure are well worth the scars!

If scarring is a concern for you after surgery, Dr Vlad will provide you with a scar treatment plan to expedite the healing of your scars. There are several treatment options including silicone gel and laser treatment.

We have the Palomar® Artisan laser system, which is proven to give excellent results for scar reduction. Laser offers a non-invasive solution that uses fractional laser technology to deliver rapid, reliable scar removal with minimal healing time, infection risk is virtually eliminated and little to no pain is felt.

Depending upon your general health and the extent of the procedure, Breast Asymmetry surgery will require an overnight hospital stay. Dr Vlad will only perform your breast asymmetry surgery in safe, accredited operating facilities. You can read more here.

You will be in pain for a few days after surgery, however, these symptoms are common and pain medication will help to reduce the discomfort. Discolouration and swelling of the breasts are to be expected for a few weeks after surgery. Dr Vlad recommends that you take at least ten days off post-surgery and avoid physical activity that requires lifting or raising the arms. Gentle stretching can prove beneficial and exercise such as walking can commence within seven days. Most patients return to work after two weeks unless their occupation involves strenuous movements then a period of at least three to four weeks is recommended. You will be given post-surgery instructions to follow and if you have any doubts please speak to Dr Vlad and/or his Practice Nurse.

There is no absolute answer to this question. Many women successfully breastfeed after surgery but some don’t. The outcome will depend largely on the technique used to correct your breast asymmetry and Dr Vlad will discuss your expectations and goals with you prior to your decision to have the surgery.

There is that possibility as some breast asymmetry surgical techniques involve incisions around the nipples. Nerves should regain their function although the process is slow, and therefore, you should expect a period of at least two years before sensitivity returns to normal or near normal. If this does not happen within that time, sensitivity will most likely not return and you should understand and discuss these limitations with Dr Vlad, before electing to have Breast Asymmetry surgery.

Cost is always a consideration in elective surgery, but it should not be the only consideration. You have the right to be informed about the costs you can expect, before you have your surgery. This is called ‘informed financial consent’.

Costs associated with the procedure may include:

Dr Vlad’s surgical fee

Accredited hospital or surgical facility costs

Anaesthesia fees

Prescriptions for medication

Post-surgery garments

Medical tests

After your initial consultation with Dr Vlad, you will receive a written estimate of fees and an information pack to read before your second pre-surgery appointment. The second appointment is free of charge. Once you book your surgery, you will also see our Practice Nurse who will take your pre-operative photos and measurements for your compression bra/s.

We welcome any questions you may have regarding fees.

Please note that your satisfaction involves more than just a fee. When choosing a surgeon for your cosmetic surgery, remember that factors such as the surgeon’s training, qualifications, experience and your comfort with him or her are just as important as the final cost of the surgery.a